The Bureaucracy Bureaucracy A systematic structure that handles

The Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy: • A systematic structure that handles the everyday business of an organization

Bureaucrats • The staff members (civil servants) of the federal bureaucracy • Most belong to the Executive branch, but some report to Congress

Federal bureaucracy is organized into. . . • • • Departments Agencies Boards Commissions Corporations Advisory committees

Why have a bureaucracy? • Efficient: clear chain of command, one person is boss with final decision • Effective: set procedures and rules, specific functions, defined responsibilities

• When the U. S. was formed, there were 2, 120 … today nearly 3 million people work for the federal government!

Cabinet • The Cabinet is made up of the 15 Executive departments created to advise the President and oversee a specific policy area

Cabinet • Article II – “heads of departments”; but doesn’t list specifics about president’s advisors • Chosen for expertise in area – Appointed by President, confirmed by Senate – Must be “vetted” (review credentials) – Can be fired by President without Senate approval – Becoming more diverse – Each department has many levels of authority

Inner Cabinet: President’s closest advisors

1. Department of State • Secretary of State = John Kerry • Implements foreign policy • Staffs embassies (offices of ambassadors in foreign countries) • Represents the U. S. at United Nations

2. Department of Treasury • • Secretary of Treasury = Jack Lew Manages the nation’s money Collect and oversee taxes Borrow and print money

3. Department of Defense • • Secretary of Defense: Ashton Carter Manage armed forces Maintain forts, bases, harbors Conduct military intelligence

4. Department of Justice • • Attorney General = Loretta Lynch Attorney for U. S. Run FBI, maintain federal prisons Investigate federal law violations

5. Department of Interior • Protect public parks and land • DNR • Native American Programs

6. Department of Agriculture • Help farmers (subsidies) • Food stamps/EBT • School lunch program

7. Department of Commerce • • Business in U. S. and abroad Census Weather service, patents, weights, measures Tide and current report

8. Department of Labor • Protect American workers – Minimum wage – Unemployment – Job training

9. Department of Health and Human Services • Implements national health policy • Social Security and Medicare • Food, drug and Cosmetics laws (works with FDA)

10. Department of Housing and Urban Development • Public housing • Ensures equal housing • Improves roads, sewers

11. Department of Transportation • Interstates, railroads, airports, mass transit regulation and safety standards

12. Department of Energy • Plans energy policy – Gas and electric sales – Conservation programs

13. Department of Education • Federal assistance programs for schools • College grants and loans • NCLB and Race to the Top

14. Department of Veteran Affairs • Benefits, hospital care and education for veterans and their families

15. Department of Homeland Security • Controls border patrol (immigration), Coast Guard, Disaster Relief (FEMA), Secret Service, works with FBI and CIA